CELEBRATING HAROLD WAGSTAFF

We celebrate Harold Wagstaff, 80 years after his death in 1939.

''Harold Wagstaff, the 'Prince of Centres', died 80 years ago today on 19 July 1939, at the age of 48.

Harold was born at Underbank on 19 May 1891. Shortly before his fifteenth birthday he made his debut in the local Underbank team.

He signed for Huddersfield on 2 November 1906 for five gold sovereigns and just eight days later, aged 15 years and 175 days he made his first team debut against Bramley scoring a try in a 28-11 win. Playing at this age made him the youngster ever professional player in Rugby League history. 

Harold's stellar career had begun. Aged 17 he played for Yorkshire and on 2 January 1909 he was selected for England against Australia at Fartown. Having played in the first three games of 1909 Season, he was taken gravely ill after he grazed his knee in the opening fixture against Bramley, the knee turned septic,  and then became a victim of diphtheria that required a stay at Seacroft Isolation Hospital, Leeds.

Captain of Huddersfield from 1911 at the age of just 19 and was Great Britain captain on the 1914 and 1920 tours to Australia and New Zealand, Wagstaff was the inspiration of Huddersfield's 'Team of All Talents'. He died 80 years ago today, and Huddersfield Rugby League will always be what it is because of Harold. 

At his funeral, he was carried into the church by eight of his team mates, and the Reverend T.H.Cashmore payed a stellar tribute to a true great.

‘Holmfirth was rightly proud of a man who, in his own sphere, had carried her name far beyond their hills and valleys.

He had great qualities of heart and mind and body that won for him the confidence and admiration of thousands.’

Hear Tony Collins on the Huddersfield Team of All Talents

'Waggy' made 436 appearances for Huddersfield between 1906 and 1925, scoring 195 tries and kicking 14 goals.

He was recognised by the Rugby Football League when they included him in the original nine members of the Hall of Fame.

2019 is the 135th anniversary of Huddersfield Underbank and they are celebrating this on September 7th at their fixture against Thatto Heath. Be part of the celebration by using the hashtag #Underbank135.